A310 MRTT vs Il-78 Midas

Overview

The A310 MRTT and the Il-78 Midas are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and Ilyushin respectively.

Top speed is 978 km/h for the A310 MRTT vs 850 km/h for the Il-78 Midas. The A310 MRTT has an operational range of 8,889 km vs 7,300 km for the Il-78 Midas. The A310 MRTT operates at altitudes up to 12,497 m compared to 12,000 m for the Il-78 Midas.

The A310 MRTT has been produced in 6 units vs 53 for the Il-78 Midas. The Il-78 Midas first flew 20 years before the A310 MRTT (1983 vs 2003).

European multirole tanker transport, with significant deployments in aerial refueling and strategic airlift operations.
Airbus A310 MRTT Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus
First flight 1 December 2003
Year introduced 2004
Number produced 6 units
Average unit price $108 million
Soviet aerial refueling tanker, developed in the 1980s, widely involved in strategic, long-range force projection missions.
Ilyushin Il-78 Midas Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Ilyushin
First flight 26 June 1983
Year introduced 1984
Number produced 53 units
Average unit price --
Wing area 219.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 43.9 m â—‰
Height 15.8 m â—‰
Length 47.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 978 km/h â—‰
Operational range 8,889 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,497 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 163,998 kg â—‰
Empty weight 113,999 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 13,653 kgf â—‰
Wing area 300.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 50.5 m â—‰
Height 14.8 m â—‰
Length 46.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 850 km/h â—‰
Operational range 7,300 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 210,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 72,000 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 3,005 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The A310 MRTT is faster with a maximum speed of 978 km/h compared to the Il-78 Midas's 850 km/h, a difference of 128 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The A310 MRTT has a longer range at 8,889 km compared to the Il-78 Midas's 7,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The A310 MRTT has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the Il-78 Midas's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 210,000 kg compared to the A310 MRTT's 163,998 kg.
Which is larger, the A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The A310 MRTT is longer at 47.5 meters compared to the Il-78 Midas's 46.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas entered service first in 1984, 20 years before the A310 MRTT which entered service in 2004.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas has been produced in greater numbers with 53 units compared to 6 units of the A310 MRTT.